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14

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The Fold

The folks in Mike Erikson's small New England town would say he's just your average, everyday guy. And that's exactly how Mike likes it. Sure, the life he's chosen isn't much of a challenge to someone with his unique gifts, but he's content with his quiet and peaceful existence. That is, until an old friend presents him with an irresistible mystery, one that Mike is uniquely qualified to solve.

The Never Hero: The Chronicles of Jonathan Tibbs, Book 1

Reclusive college student Jonathan Tibbs wakes in a pool of blood, not a scratch on him. His life is about to undergo a massive shift. A violent and merciless otherworldly enemy unleashes slaughter in the streets, calling out in a language only he understands. And it is seeking its challenger. In order to defeat the threat, Jonathan must become a temporal weapon...while remaining completely anonymous. Unfortunately, harnessing off-world powers has its own special challenges...

Lock In (Narrated by Wil Wheaton)

Not too long from today, a new, highly contagious virus makes its way across the globe. Most who get sick experience nothing worse than flu, fever, and headaches. But for the unlucky one percent - and nearly five million souls in the United States alone - the disease causes "Lock In": Victims fully awake and aware, but unable to move or respond to stimulus. The disease affects young, old, rich, poor, people of every color and creed. The world changes to meet the challenge.

Neverwhere

Richard Mayhew is an unassuming young businessman living in London, with a dull job and a pretty but shrewish fiancée. Then one night he stumbles upon a girl lying on the sidewalk, bleeding. He stops to help her, and his life is changed forever. Soon he finds himself living in a London most people would never have dreamed of: a city of monsters and saints, murderers and angels. It is a world that exists entirely in a subterranean labyrinth of sewer canals and abandoned subway stations.

The Android's Dream

A human diplomat creates an interstellar incident when he kills an alien diplomat in a most unusual way. To avoid war, Earth's government must find an equally unusual object: A type of sheep ("The Android's Dream"), used in the alien race's coronation ceremony. To find the sheep, the government turns to Harry Creek, ex-cop, war hero and hacker extraordinaire.

The Lost Fleet: Dauntless

Captain John "Black Jack" Geary's legendary exploits are known to every schoolchild. Revered for his heroic "last stand" in the early days of the war, he was presumed dead. But a century later, Geary miraculously returns from survival hibernation and reluctantly takes command of the Alliance fleet as it faces annihilation by the Syndics.

Appalled by the hero-worship around him, Geary is nevertheless a man who will do his duty. And he knows that bringing the stolen Syndic hypernet key safely home is the Alliance's one chance to win the war. But to do that, Geary will have to live up to the impossibly heroic "Black Jack" legend.

Monster Hunter International

Five days after Owen Zastava Pitt pushed his insufferable boss out of a 14th story window, he woke up in the hospital with a scarred face, an unbelievable memory, and a job offer. It turns out that monsters are real. All the things from myth, legend, and B-movies are out there, waiting in the shadows. Some of them are evil, and some are just hungry. Monster Hunter International is the premier eradication company in the business. And now Owen is their newest recruit.

Redshirts: A Novel with Three Codas

Ensign Andrew Dahl has just been assigned to the Universal Union Capital Ship Intrepid, flagship of the Universal Union since the year 2456. Life couldn’t be better…until Andrew begins to pick up on the facts that (1) every Away Mission involves some kind of lethal confrontation with alien forces; (2) the ship’s captain, its chief science officer, and the handsome Lieutenant Kerensky always survive these confrontations; and (3) at least one low-ranked crew member is, sadly, always killed.

This Book Is Full of Spiders: Seriously, Dude, Don't Touch It

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We Are Legion (We Are Bob): Bobiverse, Book 1

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Steelheart: The Reckoners, Book 1

Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics. But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man you must crush his wills. Nobody fights the Epics...nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them. And David wants in. He wants Steelheart - the Epic who is said to be invincible. The Epic who killed David's father.

Warbreaker

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The Junkie Quatrain

Six months ago, the world ended. The Baugh Contagion swept across the planet. Its victims were left twitching, adrenalized cannibals that quickly became know as Junkies. Civilization crumbled as people created isolated safe havens to hide from the infected... and the possibly infected. Now, as society nears a tipping point, lives will intersect and intertwine across two days in a desolate city.

Revelation Space

Nine hundred thousand years ago, something annihilated the Amarantin civilization just as it was on the verge of discovering space flight. Now one scientist, Dan Sylveste, will stop at nothing to solve the Amarantin riddle before ancient history repeats itself. With no other resources at his disposal, Sylveste forges a dangerous alliance with the cyborg crew of the starship Nostalgia for Infinity. But as he closes in on the secret, a killer closes in on him because the Amarantin were destroyed for a reason.

Lucifer's Hammer

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Swarm: Star Force, Book 1

Kyle Riggs is snatched by an alien spacecraft sometime after midnight. The ship is testing everyone it catches and murdering the weak. The good news is that Kyle keeps passing tests and staying alive. The bad news is the aliens who sent this ship are the nicest ones out there.

The Fifth Season: The Broken Earth, Book 1

This is the way the world ends. For the last time. A season of endings has begun. It starts with the great, red rift across the heart of the world's sole continent, spewing ash that blots out the sun. It starts with death, with a murdered son and a missing daughter. It starts with betrayal and long-dormant wounds rising up to fester. This is the Stillness, a land long familiar with catastrophe, where the power of the Earth is wielded as a weapon. And where there is no mercy.

The Graveyard Book: Full-Cast Production

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead. There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack - who has already killed Bod's family…

Steel World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 1

In the 20th century Earth sent probes, transmissions, and welcoming messages to the stars. Unfortunately, someone noticed. The Galactics arrived with their battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell-burners, Earth joined their vast Empire. Swearing allegiance to our distant alien overlords wasn't the only requirement for survival. We also had to have something of value to trade, something that neighboring planets would pay their hard-earned credits to buy. As most of the local worlds were too civilized to have a proper army, the only valuable service Earth could provide came in the form of soldiers....

City of Golden Shadow: Otherland, Book 1

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Off to Be the Wizard

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Dragonvein, Book One

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Live Free or Die: Troy Rising, Book One

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Publisher's Summary

Stealth. Gorgon. Regenerator. Cerberus. Zzzap. The Mighty Dragon. They were heroes. Vigilantes. Crusaders for justice, using their superhuman abilites to make Los Angeles a better place. Then the plague of living death spread around the globe. Despite the best efforts of the superheroes, the police, and the military, the hungry corpses rose up and overwhelmed the country. The population was decimated, heroes fell, and the city of angels was left a desolate zombie wasteland like so many others.

Now, a year later, the Mighty Dragon and his companions must overcome their differences and recover from their own scars to protect the thousands of survivors sheltered in their film studio-turned-fortress, the Mount. The heroes lead teams out to scavenge supplies, keep the peace within the walls of their home, and try to be the symbols the survivors so desperately need. For while the ex-humans walk the streets night and day, they are not the only threat left in the world, and the people of the Mount are not the only survivors left in Los Angeles. Across the city, another group has grown and gained power. And they are not heroes.

The only reason I listened to this book is because I stumbled across '14', one of Clines' more recent works. I absolutely adored that. Then I read the summary here and was... disheartened. I love superheroes. I love zombies. I couldn't imagine the two mixed. So I put this on the way, way, waaaaay back burner until I listened to The Fold, his most recent book, and became an official Clines fan boy. So, I waded into Ex-Heroes with an open mind and heart.

I was not disappointed. Action from start to finish. Brilliant pace. Insanely believable reactions and actions, factoring in the book's setting. Beautifully developed characters that I can't wait to see grow even further in the future books (thank god for three more in my queue).

I'm also not a huge fan of multi-narrator books, but it worked really well in this situation. Great performances by both, though Snyder took the primary and did most of the narration.

For those of you reading these reviews and seeing a bunch of us who, probably like you, were very hesitant to listen because of the implausible plot devices... just trust us. If you want great writing and story, mixed in with just the right amount of adult content and "oh wow, that's cool" factor; this is the book for you. Don't get me wrong, it's entertainment, not literature... but boy is it entertaining. Better than a movie (though I can't believe this hasn't been made yet).

As I've stated previously, I LOVE Armageddon and dystopian audiobooks. Let's not forget my predilection for the superhero genre', as well!

Oh, wait, did I mention zombies? AND good writers?

Clines is one of my favorite writers in these genre'. Why? The man can WRITE, people. And write quite WELL, thank you.

Keep in mind that good writing is simple, descriptive, rich, has a destination and moves you toward that destination. No, that's not a dichotomy, It CAN be done, but not by many writers, ESPECIALLY in the zombie genre'. Seems like any and everyone wants to write a good zombie novel or series, but pulling it off? Not so much.

Clines, who's given us his enjoyable and unpredictable "14" and his recent smaller but worthy "Quatrain" audiobook, just keeps giving us good reading and listening, period.

When I first cracked open my wallet, pulled out my Audible credit, and purchased this audiobook, I had my doubts. Well, Clines proved himself worthy of the daunting task. I liked this listen so much, that I listened TWICE. Yes, that correct. I did it. Don't judge me! It was that well written.

Here's what to expect herein:

Great writing (Already said that!), a conceivable storyline, excellent hero origin stories (especially the zombie origin!), wonderfully descriptive plot lines, and a strong interwoven story that punches forward boldly into the following two novels. The zombie aspect of this novel was descriptive, believable, and in the end, enjoyable. In all, a welcome departure from the recent authors that stumble together into a muddled mess of a novel, and therefore a listen . Believe me, I know, because I'll be review a few of those soon, and I won't be gentle, nor will I be forgiving.

But back to Ex-Heroes.

You'll be excited, nervous, thoughtful, sad, mad, and at the end of the listen, satisfied, yet ready for more. I've already purchased and listened to the other two audiobooks in the series, and YES,they are AWESOME listens, if you like these genre'.

Clines, what have you done to me? You've written three great novels in this series, THAT's what you've done.

Okay, so the zombie genre has gotten a bit bloated as of late, with everyone having a crack at it and employing the poor undead corpse as a vehicle for everything from pointed social commentary to gritty military science fiction. What we have here, I am happy to say, is something more in line with zombie entertainments of yesteryear, something you can and really should just take in as light entertainment. Don't get me wrong, I loved Day by Day Armageddon, and zombie apocalypse as medium for social expression is all well and good, but sometimes you just want a story in which people fight hordes of the undead and live to tell the tale. And there are superheroes? What? This should be good for a laugh or two, right? And it is.

I'm blind, so the primary media for superhero fiction (comic books, summer blockbusters, etc) are a bit beyond my easy reach. So the story of person learns to employ superhuman powers, meets naturally or artificially imposed limitations, circumvents same, repeat, is not as tired for me as it may be for some. And the same goes for the entertainment had when the good guys get to cut loose and finally save the day, inevitable as that turn in fortune might be. There are some rather big gaps in this plot, to which you must just nod and go, "Okay, well I guess that's what they have to deal with," and move on. If you're like me and just want to be entertained, these qualifications shouldn't matter all that much, as you just enjoy the ride to its conclusion.

I was very excited by the use of two narrators at the outset, then a little concerned as the editing of some conversations and mismatch of tone occasionally suggested to me that the presentation would have been cleaner and more coherent with just one. But in the end, when asking myself if having both made the experience better, I'd say the choice was a good one.

I did wonder whether the reduced price I paid for this book during a sale played a part in my opinnion of the experience. I have to conclude that it did, given that on sale it was about half its typical member price. All the same, what I think was a great short listen at the price I paid would more than satisfy in exchange for a credit.

I kept seeing this book under the "We thought you'd like..." section after listening to I Am Legend but couldn't imagine a book like this being even remotely good. I have been a comic book fan since I was 8-years-old, so I have no problem with superheroes. The oversaturation of the marketplace with Zombie literature has made me leery to purchase any books in this genre.

After reading many positive reviews though, I finally gave in and made the purchase and it was well worth the credit. Ex Heroes is one of the more original spins on the zombie tale I have seen/read/listened to. Its the freshest take on zombies I've read since Pontypool Changes Everything. Peter Clines does an excellent job of building a seemingly realistic post-zombie apocalypse world and creating a surprisingly believable cast of characters, though they are superheroes inhabiting an America that is constantly fighting to keep the zombie masses from overrunning the last outposts of civilization.

I recommend this book to anyone. Like I said, I am not a zombie fan but I could not put this book down. Its sequel, Ex Patriots, is equally as good. And the term "Ex Heroes" doesn't mean former heroes. "Ex" is the term they use for the zombies...as in ex-human.

If you've read and loved graphic novels like 'Ex Machina', 'Y: The Last Man', 'Watchmen', or 'The Walking Dead', then this is a pipe-full of tobacco cured, aged and toasted with your palate in mind, my friend.

If you haven't read any of those, go check them out immediately; they're fantastic!

Seriously though, this is a great novel for enthusiasts of sci-fi, action, adventure and superheroes. It's also got a bit of grit, a bit of depth, but not so much that the story isn't fun.

Finally, I like the author, Peter Cline's style. I dig the way he expresses himself in narrative exposition and dialogue of the protagonists. There's a sense of rapport - like spending time with a brother or a life-long friend. It's the same in Cline's two other novels and it makes me hopeful the guy keeps writing!

So, I am not a big zombie fan, don't usually read this kind of book. Having said that I will also add that I was rather pleasantly surprised! A bit gory and the duel narration was not my favorite, but I really liked the Heroes and I liked how the Zombies came into existence. Like I said I have never read a zombie book before so can't and won't compare it to others. But for me it was worth the buy and I think I would buy another book from this author.

I like Jack Reacher style characters regardless of setting. Put them in outer space, in modern America, in a military setting, on an alien planet... no worries. Book has non moralistic vigilante-justice? Sign me up!
(oh, I read urban fantasy, soft and hard sci-fi, trashy vampire and zombie novels too)

Hmmm... sounds silly, doesn't it... Superheroes versus Zombies. Isn't it bad enough that we have to suspend disbelief to acknowledge the existence of one of these groups, let alone both??

Surprisingly, the answer is no. Both the zombies and the superheroes are believably written, and I found myself not even batting an eye when each new superheroes' powers were revealed... a guy who is a living sun, sure, a guy who is a light-sink, sure, a guy who is possessed by an alien demon, why not...

Yes, I'm serious, all these and more were in the story, and they were all believable within their own skill sets, and each was distinctly written (so you could tell which superhero was which when they spoke, not just when flexing their superpowers).

I liked how the source of the zombies was explained - also quite believably - and even the struggle with the "bad guy" makes sense if you think about how valuable superheroes would be in a post-apocalyptic world, particularly when they can be used as a power source, or an invincible supply-scouter.

I already have bought the next in the series. The narration is very good.

If you like the Zombie genre, are open to super heroes and alternative universes this is the book for you.
I loved it, the Super heroes are well thought out and have all the classic powers, and a few that are rather different. The zombie issue has more imagination than most zombie novels making it more realistic and has a great final origin twist.
Ex-Heroes is well paced and full of action with just the right amount of humor. Mr Clines has written a well thought out, entertaining tale, combining two great genres of modern day writing.
Then getting Jay Snyder and Khristine Hvam, to take you to Clines besieged Hollywood Lot and infected LA with their remarkable acting and story telling techniques is a stroke of genius. All of Clines exciting characters spring to life from the speaker. St George (Brilliant idea,) is voiced so you know he's a cool hero and a nice guy. With Stealth a sexy mysterious genius leader and Lady Bee leaving a mans blood pressure up. The whole narration of this brilliant novel leaves you with a desire to hear more, more, more.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Mr

Leeds, United Kingdom

10/12/12

Overall

"Really Enjoyable"

I am a big fan of the Walking Dead and Science Fiction in general, this is why I was attracted originally. The story is set in L.A the not so distant future, millions are infected by a virus that has turned them into flesh eating Zombies. The heroes battle daily along side the non infected for survival and there are some great heroes in this tale. A gripping story line well narrated with great characters.They could turn this into movie and I would really like a sequel.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Wictor

Kallered, Sweden

12/23/12

Overall

"Good and enjoyable"

Granted you like like superheroes and/or zombies you'll like this release. It's quite humorous at times and a nice mixture of genres. The characters have interesting backgrounds (how they got their superpowers etc) and the narrative works really well and the obligatory final battle contains an interesting twist or two.

The two narrators are also doing a very good job. All in all a good buy, if you ask me.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Robert Garner

Bristol UK

12/23/12

Overall

"different take on the zombie world"

As I do do a lot of travelling , audio-books are an essential part of my travel kit. its nice occasionally to hear something a little bit different and slightly off centre . mixing two genres is difficult at best but is done with skill and with obvious affection for the leading characters, enjoyed this and the follow up immensely.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Ian

Godstone, United Kingdom

1/11/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"I hate myself for liking this book"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I certainly would but not it's not for everyone. However if you like super powers zombies and a certain childish but endearing slant on sex and sexuality, this is the book/series for you.

What three words best describe Jay Snyder and Khristine Hvam ’s voice?

Hmmm I'm not sure. I really wasn't a big fan of having two narrators in this format. Although either would have been fine on their own, the dialogue between the two was obviously recorded at different times so the interplay seems more suited to a bad soap opera.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely. I made the mistake of listening to the first ten minutes inn a lunch break then spent the rest of the day irritated that I couldn't hear more.

Any additional comments?

Although the dialogue between the male and female narrators is stilted, it is only a minor annoyance and I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who likes the fantasy/horror/sci-fi genre. If on the other hand you are more fond of the works of Jane Austin, Emily Bronte or indeed anything which requires even the slightest use of the brain or higher emotions, then this may not be the best choice for you.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Michelle Moore

Dartford, United Kingdom

5/4/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Loved it!"

Peter Clines is my new favourite author, after listening to 14 and now Ex-Heroes. This is the 1st book in a series, and I can't wait to get stuck into the next!

Not only has LA been taken over by zombies, but a while before, people started to discover superpowers. These new superheroes are now helping to protect a group of humans from the zombies, and a nasty gang.

The heroes are all brand new, and well thought out, and as the book progresses we get to know a lot more about them, as well as how the 'zombie invasion' came about.

The writing is clear and easy to follow, and it's so easy to picture this as a film or mini-series. In fact, I'm amazed it's not been snapped up already!

A note about the narration - some of the chapters give the backstory of a female character, and these are read by a female narrator. In other chapters though, the bulk is read by the male narrator, with the female speaking just female line. This is a little unusual at first, but soon sounds quite natural - if you find it off-putting, give it time.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Stefan

Hisings-Backa, Sweden

2/3/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"A nice take on the zombie apocalypse."

This is one book where the narration adds an extra layer to the story itself. No spoliers from me, just listen to it!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A. M. Hughes

Bristol, UK

12/12/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"An interesting take on Zombie Apocalypse"

Would you try another book written by Peter Clines or narrated by Jay Snyder and Khristine Hvam ?

I have to say, although the subject matter has been done time and time again in books and TV, this version gave it a bit of a twist by introducing Heros - reminding me a bit of "First of the North star" for those of you who know your Manga. I would read another for a bit of fun / mindless entertainment, but not top of the list.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

The ending was dramatic and about what you expect from the way the story was set up.

Have you listened to any of Jay Snyder and Khristine Hvam ’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Not listened to any others.

Did Ex-Heroes inspire you to do anything?

Not really.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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